MONTSAME Mongolian National News Agency interviewed Dr. D. Altantsetseg, the Executive Director of the state-owned company “Mongol Refinery” LLC, Mongolia's Consulting Engineer, about the progress of the Mongol Refinery Project.

The Government of Mongolia is implementing the Project to establish a grass root Oil Refinery Plant based on domestic crude in Dornogobi aimag, located in Southeastern part of the country, within the framework of the soft loan extended by the Government of India to ensure energy independency and expand the industry diversification.

Upon approving the Detailed Feasibility Study and selecting "Engineers India Limited" as Project Management Consultant in 2019, the design and engineering works had started, and from this year on, the mechanical erection of the main technological facilities will start at full capacity.

Out of four main EPC packages planned for the project, the first package, which comprises of non-technological facilities, such as civil buildings (office-training center, first aid center, fire station, warehouse, laboratory, workshop, canteen, 30 thousand cubic meter underground water storage tank) as well as 89 km water pipeline and pump stations, the overhead power transmission line and substations, started in 2021 by an Indian company "JMC Projects India," is preparing for its commissioning this year.

-What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered during the past period, and how are you overcoming them?

-Although the implementation of the project and the works of the first EPC package have gone through serious challenges related to pandemic restrictions, global price increases, transportation and logistical difficulties, we, along with the Contractor "JMC Projects India" and our Project Management Consultant, Engineers India Limited, were able to overcome many obstacles and achieve major milestones during this struggling period. Through relentless pursuit and tireless efforts as well as firm support from the main stakeholder of the project, the Government of India, we managed to push the project from planning and engineering to the actual construction phase. Much effort was devoted towards selecting of the Contractors for EPC 02 and 03 work packages, for which the tender process was conducted since 2021 to attain the best proposal from companies, registered in India, as stated in the Loan Agreement.

EPC 02 package consists of initial processing units, such as Atmospheric and Vacuum Distillation Units, Saturated Gas Plant, and utilities, including tank farms, product dispatching facilities, and the different types of auxiliary and supporting units, whereas a 35 MW Thermal Power Plant would be built as part of the EPC 03 package. "Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited," a company from India, was selected as the main Contractor for these two packages and the site work has commenced.

We will produce more high-quality fuel that meets modern standards, including diesel in line with market demand. If the plant works at full capacity, it can process about 1.8 million tons of oil. First of all, it will produce gasoline, as well as 95-octane gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, and furnace fuel. It will be the basis for the development of the petrochemical and chemical industry in the future.

Simultaneously, the tender to select the Contractor for EPC 04 package has been ongoing since last year. For the record, the selecting of these contractors and consultants all proceeded in accordance with the stipulations of the Dollar Credit Line Agreement signed between the Government of Mongolia and the Export-Import Bank of India. Moreover, the original provision in the Agreement stipulates the requirement of sourcing more than 75 percent of the goods and services from India for the project. However, in order to reduce the burden as well as the cost and time implications of having such a requirement, the Government of India agreed to reduce it to 50-55 percent. It should be emphasized here that we have huge support and backing from the Government of India and Export-Import Bank of India for this project, which only made it possible to reach this phase of the project.

Dive deeper into the interview of D. Altantsetseg by picking up the latest issue of the “Mongolia Today” magazine.

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Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee met with Tesla (TSLA.O) CEO Elon Musk last Wednesday to discuss ways to cooperate in future high-tech industries, Samsung said on Sunday.

The two companies are currently seeking ways to cooperate in the development of IT-related technologies, such as semiconductors for autonomous vehicles, Samsung added.

The meeting was held during Lee's trip to the United States and was the first between the heads of the South Korean chip giant and the U.S. electric-vehicle maker, the company said.

Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Edmund Klamann

Board members of the Asian Development Bank got acquainted with the Bayankhoshuu sub-center, which was built in the first phase of the Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program.

In the first phase of Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program, the northern part of the city is planned to be partially developed into Bayankhoshuu and Selbe sub-centers. These developments were completed last year, and the next phase, the Tolgoi and Dambadarjaa sub-centers, is underway.

The board members visited the apartment of 126 households built in the 6th khoroo of Songinokhairkhan district. The apartment was built according to the norms and standards of Mongolia, and its residents can rent and own it. In addition, members got acquainted with the business. Moreover, infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, landscaping, and green areas, as well as plans for housing based on the infrastructure were discussed.

First Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar in charge of Economic Development and Public-Private Partnership J.Sandagsuren said:

-These sub-centers will play an important role in solving the decentralization, traffic congestion and other problems of Ulaanbaatar city. Within the framework of the project, we are working on developing the capital into a multi-centered city, solving social infrastructure, and improving the living environment of the citizens. Currently, the construction of Bayankhoshuu and Selbe sub-centers has been completed. Also, the constructions of the Tolgoi and Dambadarjaa sub-centers are at 35 percent, while the Sharkhad and Denjiin Myanga sub-centers are at 15 percent.

He emphasized that the capital will provide special support for the contract extension and consulting services of the Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program.

Media and public relations department of the governor’s office of the capital city

Board members of the Asian Development Bank got acquainted with the Bayankhoshuu sub-center, which was built in the first phase of the Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program.

In the first phase of Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program, the northern part of the city is planned to be partially developed into Bayankhoshuu and Selbe sub-centers. These developments were completed last year, and the next phase, the Tolgoi and Dambadarjaa sub-centers, is underway.

The board members visited the apartment of 126 households built in the 6th khoroo of Songinokhairkhan district. The apartment was built according to the norms and standards of Mongolia, and its residents can rent and own it. In addition, members got acquainted with the business. Moreover, infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, landscaping, and green areas, as well as plans for housing based on the infrastructure were discussed.

First Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar in charge of Economic Development and Public-Private Partnership J.Sandagsuren said:

-These sub-centers will play an important role in solving the decentralization, traffic congestion and other problems of Ulaanbaatar city. Within the framework of the project, we are working on developing the capital into a multi-centered city, solving social infrastructure, and improving the living environment of the citizens. Currently, the construction of Bayankhoshuu and Selbe sub-centers has been completed. Also, the constructions of the Tolgoi and Dambadarjaa sub-centers are at 35 percent, while the Sharkhad and Denjiin Myanga sub-centers are at 15 percent.

He emphasized that the capital will provide special support for the contract extension and consulting services of the Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program.

Media and public relations department of the governor’s office of the capital city

Mongolia on Saturday stepped up efforts to plant more trees across the country to combat desertification and protect the environment, its Ministry of Environment and Tourism said.

The measure was introduced to mark the country's National Tree Planting Day, its largest tree-planting and nature care event, which falls on the second Saturday of May and October every year.

This year's National Tree Planting Day will last two weeks to promote the national tree-planting campaign dubbed "Billion Trees" launched in 2021, said the ministry in a statement.

It said that households, businesses and public and private organizations across the country are expected to plant more trees in their yards and surroundings and take care of the previously planted trees.

"Planting trees is one of the most important gifts we can give to our planet and ourselves," said Bat-Ulzii Bat-Erdene, minister of environment and tourism, while planting trees at a park in the capital, urging the public to contribute to creating a healthier environment and combating desertification by planting more trees.

The Asian country has a total land area of 1,564,116 square km, but only 8 percent is covered by forests.

According to the ministry, strong winds and heavy dust storms are frequent occurrences in Mongolia, with roughly 77 percent of the country's territory affected by desertification and land degradation.

On May 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia B. Battsetseg held official talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Jan Lipavsky. The talks covered a range of issues related to bilateral and international relations.

During the meeting, both parties expressed unanimous agreement on the importance of trade, economy, and people-to-people relations in furthering the traditionally friendly cooperation between Mongolia and the Czech Republic. They proposed increasing Czech investment and working jointly on large-scale development projects.

Minister B. Battsetseg highlighted the successful implementation of the Przewalski's horse reintroduction project in Mongolia and the coordination of the "One Billion Trees" National Campaign with the "Forest Partnership" program of the European Union. The two ministers also agreed to cooperate in bilateral and multilateral mechanisms to protect the environment and combat climate change.

Furthermore, Minister B. Battsetseg praised the expansion of relations between the two countries in the fields of education and social security, noting that Mongolian students will study in Czech universities as part of the "President’s Scholar- 2100" program initiated by the President of Mongolia. She also mentioned that the Social Security Agreement between the governments of the two countries had come into effect.

The parties expressed satisfaction with the fact that Czech citizens and tourists can travel to Mongolia without a visa and that the direct flight between Ulaanbaatar and Prague will provide favorable conditions for promoting relations and cooperation between businesses and citizens of both countries.

Going further, the parties agreed to reciprocally organize events and meetings, such as the regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission and Mongolian-Czech business forum in Ulaanbaatar and inter-consular consultation in Prague. Finally, the ministers briefed the press on the outcome of the meeting.

The Law on Mining Products Exchange will come into effect on July 1 this year. In this respect, a joint working group of related institutions has been set up at the Mongolian Stock Exchange to undertake preparatory work. This working group is responsible for:

• registration and trading of mining products and derivative financial instruments based on them;

• creation of transport, warehouse and laboratory accreditation system;

• development of draft regulations on such issues as settlement of payments etc., stipulated in the law;

• ensuring readiness of trading and clearing systems;

• creating quality control system.

In the scope of this work, Deputy Director of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of the United States Kevin Piccoli submitted suggestions for draft regulations and provided relevant experts with training on methodologies.

Upon enforcement of the Law on Mining Products Exchange, export of mineral products will become open in our country, and as a result, the number of buyers would increase, enabling market prices to be set on the principle of competition.

By trading not only coal, but other items as ores, concentrates and finished products for export on the Mining Products Exchange, trade quantities, types, prices, fees, payments, taxes, trade agreements and mining reports will all become open. In this way, it is significant for the increase of state budget income. The most important thing is to analyze main international market data on supply and demand of minerals at mining exchanges, and compile the mining market database at the Exchange.

Since 2014, the international marathon "UB Marathon" has been organized to develop running sports in Mongolia, to increase the number of people interested in running, and to engrain physical and mental breeding in the young generation.

This year, the marathon will be held as a day by the Governor’s Office of the capital city, Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city, "High Payment Solutions" LLC /Hipay/, and the Mongolian Athletics Association on Saturday, June 3, at the Sukhbaatar Square. As in previous years, the marathon has 1500 meters, 5000 meters, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km running categories. Specifically, the 1,500-meter run includes a run for families and disabled people. Full marathon or 42 km is for participants over 18 years old, half marathon or 21 km is for participants aged 18-34, 35-54, and over 55 years old, health run or 10 km, 5000 meters are for 12-17 and over 18 years old participants. Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city gave information about "UB Marathon 2023".

Head of the Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city J.Ganbold:

-This year's marathon is being expanded to a day. In other words, in order to create favorable conditions for citizens to participate in the day with their families, friends, and colleagues, it is planned to display a variety of services such as art performances, trade and services promoting a healthy lifestyle, recreation areas, and mobile food areas throughout the day. Moreover, traveling DJ sets, circus performances for children, contortion, bodybuilding shows, public dances and exercises will be organized along the marathon route. Registration for the marathon has officially begun, and athletes from Japan, France, and Kenya have registered to participate. Also, 21 and 42 km running distances have been added to ensure the participation of disabled people.

"High Payment Solutions" LLC has been working as a co-organizer of the "UB Marathon" since 2022. In this regard, Chief Digital Officer of the company A.Sukhbat said, “As part of its social responsibility, "High Payment Solutions" LLC introduced RFID technology for the first time in the "UB Marathon 2022" to measure the parameters of the athletes during the run, automatically take pictures of them after crossing the finish line, and send them to the registered address.

This year, the service will be provided to the participants, and the successful participants will be given an online certification. Participants who have registered to run 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km will be given wristbands, numbers, marathon badges, and stickers, and products such as clothes and water bottles with the marathon logo will be sold at Sukhbaatar Square.

The online registration of the "UB Marathon 2023" international marathon will be carried out on the website http://ubmarathon.hipay.mn and the hipay application until 17:00 on May 30. Also, the physical education and sports committees of the nine districts of the capital will be responsible for the certification of the participants and the issuing of badges for the five-kilometer distance of the marathon. But for 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km distances, the registration of participants and the issuing of badges, chips, and T-shirts are being organized at the Physical Education and Sports of the Department of the Capital city. In addition, children and families who want to participate in the marathon on Children's Day will be registered for free.

The organizers said that they plan to create conditions for people to show their children the benefits of playing sports, run together and spend a day full of memories. Moreover, attention on landscaping along the running route will be paid, road and kilometer markings, water distribution points of volunteers, and photoshoot spot will be established at the finish line.

Media and public relations department of the governor’s office of the capital city

Since 2014, the international marathon "UB Marathon" has been organized to develop running sports in Mongolia, to increase the number of people interested in running, and to engrain physical and mental breeding in the young generation.

This year, the marathon will be held as a day by the Governor’s Office of the capital city, Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city, "High Payment Solutions" LLC /Hipay/, and the Mongolian Athletics Association on Saturday, June 3, at the Sukhbaatar Square. As in previous years, the marathon has 1500 meters, 5000 meters, 10 km, 21 km and 42 km running categories. Specifically, the 1,500-meter run includes a run for families and disabled people. Full marathon or 42 km is for participants over 18 years old, half marathon or 21 km is for participants aged 18-34, 35-54, and over 55 years old, health run or 10 km, 5000 meters are for 12-17 and over 18 years old participants. Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city gave information about "UB Marathon 2023".

Head of the Physical Education and Sports Department of the Capital city J.Ganbold:

-This year's marathon is being expanded to a day. In other words, in order to create favorable conditions for citizens to participate in the day with their families, friends, and colleagues, it is planned to display a variety of services such as art performances, trade and services promoting a healthy lifestyle, recreation areas, and mobile food areas throughout the day. Moreover, traveling DJ sets, circus performances for children, contortion, bodybuilding shows, public dances and exercises will be organized along the marathon route. Registration for the marathon has officially begun, and athletes from Japan, France, and Kenya have registered to participate. Also, 21 and 42 km running distances have been added to ensure the participation of disabled people.

"High Payment Solutions" LLC has been working as a co-organizer of the "UB Marathon" since 2022. In this regard, Chief Digital Officer of the company A.Sukhbat said, “As part of its social responsibility, "High Payment Solutions" LLC introduced RFID technology for the first time in the "UB Marathon 2022" to measure the parameters of the athletes during the run, automatically take pictures of them after crossing the finish line, and send them to the registered address.

This year, the service will be provided to the participants, and the successful participants will be given an online certification. Participants who have registered to run 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km will be given wristbands, numbers, marathon badges, and stickers, and products such as clothes and water bottles with the marathon logo will be sold at Sukhbaatar Square.

The online registration of the "UB Marathon 2023" international marathon will be carried out on the website http://ubmarathon.hipay.mn and the hipay application until 17:00 on May 30. Also, the physical education and sports committees of the nine districts of the capital will be responsible for the certification of the participants and the issuing of badges for the five-kilometer distance of the marathon. But for 42 km, 21 km, and 10 km distances, the registration of participants and the issuing of badges, chips, and T-shirts are being organized at the Physical Education and Sports of the Department of the Capital city. In addition, children and families who want to participate in the marathon on Children's Day will be registered for free.

The organizers said that they plan to create conditions for people to show their children the benefits of playing sports, run together and spend a day full of memories. Moreover, attention on landscaping along the running route will be paid, road and kilometer markings, water distribution points of volunteers, and photoshoot spot will be established at the finish line.

Media and public relations department of the governor’s office of the capital city

Parliamentarians are working in their respective constituencies to present the draft amendment to the Constitution and receive the citizens’ suggestions and opinions in accordance with the Order No. 85 of the speaker of Parliament.

In particular, legislators B.Battumur, G.Damdinnyam and B.Javkhlan are working in Darkhan-Uul Province, and held a meeting and discussion to get citizens’ opinions. Residents expressed their support for a mixed electoral system, while making suggestions related to manual counting of ballots and fair elections. In addition, in order to strengthen the representative capacity, the citizens supported to expand Parliament to include representatives of social groups and sectors and increase the number of members.

Members of Parliament Ts.Munkhtsetseg and D.Tsogtbaatar are meeting the Sukhbaatar District residents. They informed that in order to improve the Parliament’s ability to represent the people, the number of lawmakers will be increased to 152 in accordance with the population, and fifty percent of the total members will be elected by majority and fifty percent by proportional method in accordance with the draft amendment.

Lawmaker B.Purevdorj met the citizens of Uyench, Bulgan, Erdeneburen, Must and Altai soums of Khovd Province, and presented detailed information about the draft amendment to the Constitution to increase the number of parliamentary members to 152 and conduct the parliamentary elections in a mixed system.

Member T.Dorjkhand is currently working in the Khan-Uul District. The residents who participated in the meeting expressed their opinions regarding the holding of the parliamentary elections in a mixed electoral system and increasing the number of members.

During his working visit in Uvs Province, lawmaker Ch.Khurelbaatar gave an information about the current social and economic conditions of the country, presented the draft amendment to the Constitution and listened to the citizens’ opinions. Some of the participants believed that it is unnecessary to increase the number of members, while the others said that the number of members can be increased to keep pace with the times, but it is better to be less than 152. On the contrary, there were citizens who supported the regulation of 152 members in the draft amendment submitted by the government. However, they agreed that it is very important for Mongolia to secure its independence and ensure its classical parliamentary government, which fully expresses the wishes of its people, at a time when the situation in the outside world is not peaceful.

Citizens are expressing various views on the draft amendment to the Constitution. On the issue of increasing the number of members, most of them stated that it is better to have about 100 or 108 members in Parliament.

The lawmakers were assigned to work in their constituencies for seven days, inform the citizens and voters about the proposed amendments to the Constitution submitted by the government, discuss and decide whether to consider them, listen to the views of the citizens, collect and consolidate the relevant opinions. The consolidated report will be submitted to the Standing Committee on State Structure by May 17, and the standing committee will submit it to the working group responsible for preparing the draft amendments to the Constitution for the second and third discussions by May 18.

Mongolia has exported more than 19 million tons of coal since the beginning of this year, according to the Ministry of Mining.

4,286 vehicles and 1,045 containers exported a total of 590,900 tons of coal from April 28 to May 4, which is 60% more than in the same period last year. Mongolia has produced 19,774,700 tons of coal, which increased coal exports by 15,742,000 tons or four times compared to last year.

Mongolia plans to sell 50-60% of its coal through the stock exchange, Mining and Heavy Industry Minister Ganbaatar Zhambal said in April.

Mongolia plans to sell 12 million tons of coal by July 1 through the stock exchange. Annual coal sales are planned to increase from 50% to 60% by 2024. All coal will be sold through the stock exchange as early as 2025.